Cockroaches live all over the world. They can exist and survive in all sorts of environments. Usually, you’ll find them in warmer environments such as inside buildings and houses. They tend to avoid the light which is why they’re more active at nighttime.

Cockroach Allergy Symptoms

Cockroaches can actually induce allergy symptoms in people. Some of these symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy eyes, postnasal drip, nasal congestion, coughing, facial pains, facial pressures, irritability, blue skin or swelling underneath the eyes, hives, rashes, rhinoconjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, itchy throat and/or itchy nose. People suffering from allergic asthma could see their symptoms getting worse after being around cockroaches. As you may know, a person’s airways become inflamed when they have asthma. The usual symptoms associated with allergic asthma are wheezing, coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

How are allergy caused by cockroaches?

There is a protein in cockroaches which acts as an allergen to a lot of people. Allergens can cause people to have an allergic immune reaction when these substances get into their system. Everything from a cockroach can be an allergen to a person, such as its waste, saliva, and various body parts. A person can even get an allergic reaction from a dead cockroach.

Cockroach Allergy Treatments

If you have cockroach allergies and need a treatment for them, the treatment you get depends on how serious your symptoms are. The best way to treat your symptoms is to stay away from all cockroaches. Of course, they are pretty hard to kill and it’ll usually require you to call an exterminator to get rid of them. You can also purchase poisons and traps for cockroaches too. But if for some reason you can’t avoid being exposed to cockroaches, the following medications can help you with your allergy symptoms.

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists – These can stop chemical messengers from inducing an allergic reaction in you.

Nasal Corticosteroids – These are basically a type of nose spray that can reduce nose swelling and stop any allergic reactions that could take place. Anyone with allergic rhinitis will find nasal corticosteroids most effective because they will reduce nasal congestion and all other symptoms. Just be aware that you may experience side effects from this treatment.

Antihistamines – You can get these in nose spray, liquid or pill form. Their function is to relieve itching and sneezing in the eyes and nose. Other functions include reducing runny noses and nasal stuffiness.

Decongestants – These can be purchased in drop, nose spray, liquid or pill form. Their function is to assist in shrinking nasal passage lining and to get rid of stuffiness. You should only use the spray and nose drop forms for a short amount of time. There are side effects to oral decongestants like increased blood pressure and sleepiness. Talk with a doctor first prior to using any of them.

Cromolyn Sodium – A nose spray that can stop chemicals from being released which can induce allergy symptoms in a person, such as leukotrienes and histamines. There are very little side effects to this treatment, but you are supposed to take it 4 times per day.